The debate of manual versus automatic transmission has been ongoing since the latter was first introduced. Some prefer automatic for its ease of use. Others like manual, saying that it offers better control. It’s not simply a question of personal preference though. There are some genuine, objective pros and cons either way. It is well worth keeping these in mind when considering your next car rental.

Let’s weigh up the facts

The first point to remember is that automatic transmissions are more complicated, mechanically speaking. This is a crucial point when considering the size, cost and fuel demands of the car. A manual transmission is less complex, which gives it a number of pros. Firstly it’s cheaper. Manual cars are less costly to produce and this reflects in the purchase and rental prices. They are also more fuel efficient, which, considering the current state of the petrol price, is likely to be an important consideration for any motorist.

Aside from the costs and efficiency, manuals do offer the driver more control. They allow you to select the gear of your choice in response to a particular traffic situation. Automatics are designed to respond to generalised kinds of driving conditions which means they tend to either over- or under-correct in response to your right foot. With a manual transmission, you choose whether to go up from second to third, or down from fourth to second, as you see fit.

So, are their cons?

There are a few cons to manuals, however. As we said earlier, they are not as easy to use. New drivers will want to seek the comfort of the automatic and may never get into the habit of using their left limbs at all while driving. Also, they are more labour intensive in heavy traffic. Anyone who has spent an hour in stop and start traffic with their left foot bouncing up and down on the clutch can attest to this. And of course, they are at higher risk of stalling – an annoyance that motorists, especially inexperienced drivers, would rather do without.

Whichever side you take in the debate, Highway Bakkie Hire can cater to you. Contact us to book your rental, whether manual or automatic.